verb HSK 4
to occupy · to take up · to constitute
Meaning
占 means to occupy space or constitute a portion of something. It's commonly used to describe taking up physical space, holding a position, or representing a percentage or proportion of a whole.
Usage
占 is frequently used in statistics and reports to describe proportions (占百分之...). It's also used for physical occupation of space or seats. The pronunciation is zhàn when meaning 'occupy'; it's pronounced zhān when meaning 'to divine/practice divination', which is a different usage.
Examples
- 01女性占公司员工的百分之六十。.Women constitute 60% of the company's employees.
- 02这张桌子占了太多空间。.This table takes up too much space.
Common collocations
- 占百分之to constitute/account for (percentage)
- 占地to occupy land/space
- 占位子to reserve/occupy a seat
- 占优势to have an advantage
Antonyms
Origin
The character 占 originally depicted divination with oracle bones. The 'occupy' meaning developed from the sense of 'claiming' or 'taking possession' through divination.